Kavousi is located approximately 26km east of Agios Nikolaos, on the northern coast of the historic province of Ierapetra. The village is built in a fertile valley covered with olive groves, below the mountains of Thripti. The surrounding area is especially interesting for its archaeological sites, natural monuments, old churches, gorges and traditional settlements.

Streams carry water from the surrounding mountains through Havgas Gorge and Mesonas Gorge. Tourism remains relatively low-key, making Kavousi a suitable destination for peaceful holidays, countryside excursions and hiking.

Tholos Beach and Psira Island

The best-known beach in the area is Tholos Beach, north of the village. Freshwater springs emerge near the coast and occasionally give the sea a distinctive pale-blue colour. Opposite the beach lies Psira Island, where an important Minoan settlement has been excavated.

Large stone warehouses survive near the coast of Tholos. They were used for storing goods and loading them onto ships, particularly before the development of the modern road network. The small church of Panagia also stands near the beach, while the frescoed chapel of Saint Anthony is situated a little further west.

Psira was an important harbour during the Minoan period and maintained close connections with the Kavousi area. Excavations have revealed an extensive settlement, while important finds and relief frescoes from the site are exhibited at the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion. Seasonal excursion boats to Psira operate from nearby Mochlos.

What to see in Kavousi

Visitors can walk through the narrow streets of the old village and reach the central square, where the church of Saint George is located. Within a short distance stands the frescoed Church of the Twelve Apostles, one of the important religious monuments in the area.

Next to the archaeological site of Azorias, east of the village, stands the monumental olive tree of Azorias. It is considered one of the oldest olive trees in Crete and is particularly impressive because of its enormous trunk. A branch from the tree was used to make the wreath awarded to the winner of the Women’s Marathon at the Athens Olympic Games in 2004.

The wider area also contains the ancient settlements of Vrondas and Kastro at Kavousi. Both were established in elevated, naturally fortified positions offering impressive views over Mirabello Bay and Psira Island.

Near the coast lies the Minoan copper workshop of Chrysokamino, an important metallurgical site. In the same rugged area is Theriospilios Cave, which shelters colonies of bats.